Tag: Gla proteins

Over 70 years ago, scientists determined that vitamin K is essential for preventing uncontrolled bleeding. The primary mechanism of action of vitamin K involves its role as a cofactor for an enzyme, which modifies specific proteins necessary for blood coagulation and other processes.

Vitamin K was originally named "Koagulations-vitamin" by Danish researcher Henrik Dam, highlighting its pivotal role in coagulation. This fat-soluble vitamin's primary physiological function is associated with vitamin K-dependent protein activation for blood clotting, a mechanism vital for survival.

Fact: The human body stores very little vitamin K, necessitating an efficient recycling process to maintain its function. This process, known as the vitamin K cycle, is the core of what is the activation of vitamin K and is vital for blood coagulation and bone metabolism.

First discovered in the 1920s, vitamin K earned its name from the German word 'Koagulationsvitamin'. This highlights the central importance of understanding **what is the role of vitamin K in the clotting factor** for healthy blood and proper healing.